Andaman booklet aw.FH10 - Zoological Survey of India

Fauna of
Protected Areas of
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
ZOOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA
Special Publication Series on the occasion of CBD CoP-11, 2012 - India

Fauna of Protected Areas of
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Compiled by
C. Sivaperuman
C. Raghunathan
Edited by the Director, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata
ZOOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA
Prani Vigyan Bhawan, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata 700 053
Phone: +91 33 2400 6893, +91 33 2498 6820
website: www.zsi.gov.in

CITATION
Sivaperuman, C. and Raghunathan, C. 2012, Fauna of the Protected Areas of
Andaman and Nicobar Islands: 1-26. (Published by the Director, ZSI, Kolkata)
Published : September, 2012
© Government of India
Published at the Publication Division by the Director, Zoological Survey of India,
M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata- 700 053. Printed at Hooghly Printing Co., Ltd.,
Kolkata 700 071

Introduction
The Andaman and Nicobar archipelago comprises of 572 islands
and extending over 800 km (Fig. 1). These islands were once a part
of the Asian mainland but got detached some 100 million years
ago during the Upper Mesozoic Period due to geological upheaval.
The existing groups of islands constitute the physiographic
continuation of the mountainous ranges of Naga and Lushai Hills
and Arakan Yoma of Burma through Cape Negrais to the Andaman
and Nicobar Islands and southeast of Sumatra (Achin Head). The
chains of these islands are in fact the camel backs of the submerged
mountain ranges projecting above the sea level running north to
south between 6°45’N and 13°30'N latitudes and 90°20'E and
93°56'E longitudes. The total area of Andaman and Nicobar is 8249
km 2 .
The Andaman and Nicobar islands can be broadly divided into two
groups of islands, namely, the Andamans and the Nicobars. The
two groups are separated by the Ten-degree Channel which is
about 150 km wide 400 fathoms deep. Average annual temperature
varies from 24°C to 28°C. Elevations range from 0 to 732 m at
01

Saddle Peak in North Andaman and 642 m at Mount Thulier in
Great Nicobar Island. The precipitation is slightly higher in Nicobar
with an average annual rainfall of 3000 to 3500 mm.
History
The Andaman and Nicobar groups of islands belong to a
geosynclinals basin. The sediments of this region have gradually
changed their characters, according to tectonic movements, to
which they have been subjected to from time to time; as such the
rocks are highly folded. The six distinct geological formations
consisting of various groups of rocks, from these islands were
reported. These formations include Older Sedimentaries, Ophiolite
Suite, Mithakhari Group, Andaman Flysch, Archipelago series and
the Rutland Shell-Limestone. They represent a period of
sedimentation, from Cretaceous (about 100 million years) to Sub-
Recent (less than 10,000 years). The surface deposits of gravel beds
and raised soil covers, on the other hand, are of very late origin,
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i.e., Recent to Sub-Recent (i.e., less than 10,000 years). In general,
it is believed, that the mountain ridges of the island were formed
at the expanse of a narrow but deep oceanic furrow during Late
Mesozoic Period (100 million years). The older sediments of
Mesozoic formed the basement for younger deposits. The history
of later deposition is that of an inconsistent basin i.e. associated
with movement, volcanism and deposition, side by side with
igneous intrusions. Over the older sediments, at the deeper part
of the sea bottoms, there was rich accumulation of siliceous tests
of radiolarians, possibly and deposition of sediments of late
Cretaceous to Oligocene.
During Oligocene, the islands faced a tremendous earth movement
resulting in mountain ridges, although well within the sea. Some
of the ridges were suited for the growth of corals and also had the
rising tendency for developing the reef islands. As such, formation
of Rut islands (West Coral Reef, Middle Coral Reef, Chaura Coral
Reef, Sambero Channel Coral Reef, and Car Nicobar Coral Reef) in
this region is attributed to these and also to the deposition of
limestone. The present configuration was, however, achieved by
these islands only about 26 million years ago. Two of the islands,
Narcondam and barren Islands are of volcanic origin. The former
is an apparently extinct volcano, while the latter is still active.
Geography
The Andaman group of islands is made up of North, Middle and
South Andaman Islands (Table 1). The Ritchie's Archipelago is to the
east of Middle Andaman and the Tarmugli group of islands lies to
the southwest of South Andaman. Rutland is situated off the southern
coast of South Andaman, and Little Andaman forms the southern
end of the Andaman group of islands. Port Blair in South Andaman,
is the capital of Andaman and Nicobar islands.
The Nicobar group has twenty-four islands, which cluster into three
03

identifiable groups. Of these, only thirteen are inhabited. The
northern section has two islands: Car Nicobar and to its south, the
small island of Battimalv. Car Nicobar is the headquarters of Nicobar
district. The middle section of the group is made up of nine islands,
with Chowra, Teressa, Bompoka and Katchall to the west, and
Nancowry, Camorta, and Trinket to the east. Tillangchong and the
Isle of Man lie slightly to the northeast. The southern section consists
of two large islands, Little and Great Nicobar, together with the eight
smaller islands of Meroe, Trak, Treis, Pulo Milo, Kabra, Menchal,
Kondul and Megapode which are smaller islands (Saldhana, 1989).
Table 1. Geographical and physical profile of Andaman and
Nicobar Islands
Total Area 8,249 km 2
Area of Andaman District 6,408 km 2
Area of Nicobar District 1,841 km 2
Latitude 6°45' N to 13°41' N
Longitude 92°12' E to 93°57' E
Mean annual rainfall 3180.5 mm
Average relative humidity 77%
Coastline 1,962 km
Exclusive Economic Zone 600,000 km 2
Ecosystems
An extraordinary variety of habitat types, ranging from sandy beaches
to coral reefs, mangroves, and mountains with dense forests,
characterize the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. They are located in
the equatorial belt and have been endowed with an abundance of
flora and fauna. A number of species are endemic and restricted to
small areas because of the islands' geographic isolation.
The land area of the island chain is restricted but the diversity of
forest types, each with its own distinctive floral and faunal
composition, is staggering. Some of the larger islands display a
veritable mosaic of forest types. The tropical forest ecosystem
continuously recycles water. Since most of the islands have very few
perennial rivers and streams, the inland wetlands are restricted.
Basically, small ponds formed by rainwater accumulate inside the
forests. The ponds are valuable sources of freshwater for wildlife
and they also serve as a refuge for endangered species, such as the
04
Source: Pande et al. (1991)

Andaman teal, and several endemic amphibians that are habitat
specialists.
The least disturbed and the best preserved, mangroves in India can
be found on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Along with the
inland forests, the mangroves are the predominant terrestrial
ecosystem of the islands. Their value in conserving soil and protecting
creeks and harbours from siltation and erosion cannot be overemphasised,
particularly in the small islands. These mangroves
support a rich diversity of fauna and in particular provide breeding
and spawning habitats for many aquatic species (Rao and Khan,
1990) and to the saltwater crocodile and several species of birds
and reptiles.
Grasslands, on the other hand, are an unusual feature found only in
a few islands of the Nicobar group. They occur as patches on low
hillsides, surrounded by good forest growth, on the islands of
Bompoka, Teressa, Katchall and Camorta.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a significant marine
ecosystem. Although the land area is only 8,249 km 2 , the exclusive
economic zone (EEZ) of the islands extending to 200 nautical miles
from the shoreline is 75 times larger, approximately 6 lakh (0.6
05

million) km2 (Saldanha, 1989). The extraordinary marine biodiversity
recorded includes more than 1,200 species of fish, 350 species of
echinoderms, 1,000 species of molluscs and many more species of
lower forms of life (ANI F&E 2001).
The Andaman and Nicobar coral reefs are the second richest found
in the world. Coral reefs surround every island and are estimated to
cover around 11,939 km2 (Turner et al. 2001). They consist mainly
of fringing reefs with a barrier reef only on the western side. They
are the largest reef formations of the Indian sub-continent and
contain as many as 450 species. Seagrass beds occur in shallow
coastal waters and sheltered bays, where clear water allows light
penetration. Highly threatened marine animals, such as dugongs
and marine turtles, use this habitat essentially as a feeding ground
(Das, 1996).
Protected areas
There are 105 protected areas (9 National Parks and 96 Wildlife
Sanctuaries) have been established over an area of 1271.12 km2 on
land and 349.04 km 2 in surrounding territorial sea (Table 3; Fig. 2).
The Rowe Island and Goose island jointly share the distinction of
being smallest sanctuary having 0.01 km2 area while Campbell Bay
National Park is the largest (425.23 km2 ) among the all the Protected
areas in Andaman and Nicobar. The Great Nicobar Island in Nicobar
has a Biosphere Reserve. There are two national parks inside Great
Nicobar Biosphere Reserve viz., the Campbell and Galathea.
Altogether, protected areas occupy 16.71 per cent of the notified
forest area. The Andaman has 12.52 per cent of notified forests
within protected areas and Nicobar has 30.23 per cent.
Important National Parks, Sanctuaries and Biosphere Reserve
Saddle Peak National Park: It is the highest peak of these
Islands possessing a number of endemic species. The Saddle Peak
National Park in the North
Andaman is also part of the
proposed North Andaman
Biosphere Reserve. Total of 20
species of mammals, 96 species of
birds, 26 species of reptiles, 16
species of fishes, 7 species of
annelids and 227 species of insects were reported.
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Mount Harriet National Park: So far, 529 species are known
from Mount Harriett National Park, of which 149 are endemic to
species/subspecies level. The highest endemism has been recorded
in case of butterflies, which is more than 66 per cent followed by
the birds (50 per cent). These two groups have been extensively
studied in these islands. Besides, 7 species of Annelida, 2 species
of scorpions, 5 species of centipedes, 348 species of insects, 16
species of fishes, 8 species of amphibians, 31 species of reptiles, 88
species of birds belongs to 68 genera, and 32 families, and 12 species
of mammals were reported.
Rani Jhansi Marine National Park: Rani Jhansi Marine National
Park is situated in Ritchie's Archipelago of Andaman and Nicobar
Islands with extent of 256 km 2 . It comprised of three islands namely
Henry Lawerence, John Lawrence and Outram. The coral reef fauna
and flora reported from these islands includes, 750 species of fishes,
1422 species of molluscs, 427 species of echinoderms, 112 species
of sponges, 418 species of hard corals and 111 species of soft corals,
839 species of crustaceans and 64 species of algae.
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: Mahatma Gandhi Marine
National Park is situated 29 km from Port Blair, the park covers 281.5
km² made up of 15 islands and the open sea creeks running through
the area. This National Park was declared in the year 1983 under
the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 to protect marine life such as the
corals and nesting sea turtles prevalent in the area.
Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve (GNBR): The GNBR is one of the
15 Biosphere Reserves designated under the Man and Biosphere
Reserve Programme of Ministry of Environment and Forests,
Government of India. It is situated in Great Nicobar Island which is
about 145 km from Sumatra Island of Indonesia. The vertebrate
fauna recorded so far includes 14 species of mammals, 71 species
birds, 26 species of reptiles and 10 species of amphibians and 113
species of fishes; Invertebrates are represented by 7 species of
annelids, 417 species of insects including 73 species of butterflies
and 132 moths. The important endemic species in Great Nicobar
Biosphere Reserve are, Nicobar Megapode Megapodius nicobariensis,
Edible-nest Swiftlet Aerodramus fuciphagus, Nicobar Tree Shrew
Tupaia nicobarica, Long-tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis, Saltwater
Crocodile Crocodylus porosus, Giant Leatherback Sea Turtle
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Dermochelys coriacea, Reticulated Python Python reticulates, Coconut
Crab Birgus latro.
Barren Island: Barren Island lies at latitude 12o 17' 30" N and
longitude 930 52' 10" E in Andaman Sea. It is an uninhabited island
at 132 km NNE of Port Blair, the
capital of the Union Territory of
Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The
island is nearly circular in shape of
about 3 km in diameter and covers
an area of 8.10 km2. This island is
known to be a part of inner
volcanic arc, which extends from
Burma, Narcondum and Barren Island to Malaysia. The island was
formed during the late to Post - Pleistocene times by submarine
volcanic activity which was the first phase of volcano. Total of 51
species of insects belonging the orders, Coleoptera (17 species),
Embioptera (1 species), Hymenoptera (6 species), Hemiptera (10
species), Neuroptera (1 species), Diptera (6 spcies), Lepidoptera (9
species) and Isoptera (1 species) were recorded in Barren Islands.
Narcondam Island: Narcondam is one of the 572 islands of
Andaman and Nicobar Islands with an extent of 6.8 km2. It lies about
500 km of Mergui Archipelago and
about 300 km of South West of
Gulf of Martaban in Myanmar
(Kemp, 1995). The Island is an
outcome of volcanic actions
belonging to Sunda group, and
lies, with the Nicobars, along one
of the principal lines of weakness
in the earth's surface. The flora of this Sanctuary has mostly evergreen
species such as Dipterocarpus sp., Sideroxylon sp. and Ficus sp.
However, some of the deciduous species such as Simul (Bombax
insigne) could also be seen in this island. The Narcondam Hornbill,
Aceors narcondami is one of the India's most threatened species and
endemic to the Narcondam Island. This species is found only on
this Island which was recently declared an Important Bird Area (IBA)
under the IBA program.
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Table 3. List of protected area in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Sl. Name of the Sanctuary / Extent of Year of
No. National Park area (km 2 ) Notification
1. Arial Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.05 1987
2. Bamboo Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.05 1987
3. Barren Island Wildlife Sanctuary 8.10 1977
4. Battimalv Island Wildlife Sanctuary 2.23 1985
5. Belle Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.08 1987
6. Benett Island Wildlife Sanctuary 3.46 1987
7. Bingham Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.08 1987
8. Blister Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.26 1987
9. Bluff Island Wildlife Sanctuary 1.14 1987
10. Bondoville Island Wildlife Sanctuary 2.55 1987
11. Brush Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.23 1987
12. Buchanan Island Wildlife Sanctuary 9.33 1987
13. Chanel Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.13 1987
14. Cinque Islands Wildlife Sanctuary 9.51 1987
15. Clyde Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.54 1987
16. Cone Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.65 1987
17. Curlew (B.P.) Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.03 1987
18. Curlew Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.16 1987
19. Cuthbert Bay Wildlife Sanctuary 5.82
20. Defense Island Wildlife Sanctuary 10.49 1987
21. Dot Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.18 1987
22. Dottrell Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.13 1987
23. Duncan Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.73 1987
24. East Island Wildlife Sanctuary 6.11 1987
25. Inglis Island Wildlife Sanctuary 3.55 1987
26. Egg Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.05 1987
27. Elat Island Wildlife Sanctuary 9.36 1987
28. Entrance Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.96 1987
29. Galathea Bay Wildlife Sanctuary 11.44
30. Gander Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.05 1987
31. Girjan Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.16 1987
32. Goose Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.01 1987
33. Hump Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.47 1987
34. Interview Island Wildlife Sanctuary 133.0 1987
35. James Island Wildlife Sanctuary 2.10 1987
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36. Jungle Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.52 1987
37. Kwangtung Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.57 1987
38. Kyd Island Wildlife Sanctuary 8.00 1987
39. Landfall Island Wildlife Sanctuary 29.48 1987
40. Latouche Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.96 1987
41. Lohabarrack (Saltwater Crocodile) 22.21 1981
Wildlife Sanctuary
42. Mangrove Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.39 1987
43. Mask Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.78 1987
44. Mayo Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.10 1987
45. Megapode Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.125 1987
46. Montogemery Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.21 1987
47. Narcondam Island Wildlife Sanctuary 6.81 1987
48. North Brother Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.75 1987
49. North Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.49 1987
50. North Reef Island Wildlife Sanctuary 3.484 1987
51. Oliver Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.16 1987
52. Orchid Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.10 1987
53. Ox Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.13 1987
54. Oyster Island-I Wildlife Sanctuary 0.08 1987
55. Oyster Island-II Wildlife Sanctuary 0.21 1987
56. Paget Island Wildlife Sanctuary 7.36 1987
57. Parkinson Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.34 1987
58. Passage Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.62 1987
59. Patric Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.13 1987
60. Peacock Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.62 1987
61. Pitman Island Wildlife Sanctuary 1.37 1987
62. Point Island Wildlife Sanctuary 3.07 1987
63. Potanma Islands Wildlife Sanctuary 0.16 1987
64. Ranger Island Wildlife Sanctuary 4.26 1987
65. Reef Island Wildlife Sanctuary 1.74 1987
66. Roper Island Wildlife Sanctuary 1.46 1987
67. Ross Island Wildlife Sanctuary 1.01 1987
68. Rowe Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.01 1987
69. Sandy Island Wildlife Sanctuary 1.58 1987
70. Sea Serpent Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.78 1987
71 Shark Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.60 1987
72. Shearme Island Wildlife Sanctuary 7.85 1987
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73. Sir Hugh Rose Island Wildlife Sanctuary 1.06 1987
74. Sisters Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.36 1987
75. Snake Island-I Wildlife Sanctuary 0.73 1987
76. Snake Island-II Wildlife Sanctuary 0.03 1987
77. South Brother Island
Wildlife Sanctuary 1.24 1987
78. South Reef Island Wildlife Sanctuary 1.17 1987
79. South Sentinel Island Wildlife 1.61 1987
Sanctuary
80. Spike Island-I Wildlife Sanctuary 0.42 1987
81. Spike Island-II Wildlife Sanctuary 11.70 1987
82. Stoat Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.44 1987
83. Surat Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.31 1987
84. Swamp Island Wildlife Sanctuary 4.09 1987
85. Table (Delgarno) Island Wildlife 2.29 1987
Sanctuary
86. Table (Excelsior) Island Wildlife 1.69 1987
Sanctuary
87. Talabaicha Island Wildlife Sanctuary 3.21 1987
88. Temple Island Wildlife Sanctuary 1.04 1987
89. Tillongchang Island Wildlife Sanctuary 16.83 1987
90. Tree Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.03 1987
91. Trilby Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.96 1987
92. Tuft Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.29 1987
93. Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary 0.39 1987
94. West Island Wildlife Sanctuary 6.40 1987
95. Wharf Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.11 1987
96. White Cliff Island Wildlife Sanctuary 0.47 1987
97. Campbell Bay National Park 426.0 1992
98. Galathea Bay National Park 110.0 1992
99. Middle Button Island National Park 0.6475 1979
101. North Button Island National Park 0.44 1979
102. South Button Island National Park 0.038 1979
103. Mount Harriett National Park 46.62 1979
104. Saddle Peak National Park 32.54 1979
105. Mahatama Gandhi Marine 281.50 1983
National Park
106. Rani Jhansi Marine National Park 256.14 1996
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Fauna of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Andaman and Nicobar Islands are considered as Paradise of Biological
Diversity. About 8425 species of fauna, 8464 species are endemic
and more than sixty percent of biodiversity have been reported
from marine habitat. The details of the fauna reported from Andaman
and Nicobar Islands are presented in Table 4.
Table 4. Faunal diversity of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Sl. Faunal World India A & N Endemic % of
No. group Islands Endemic
1. Sponges5100 519 112 5 7.14
2. Helminthes 400 19 19 - -
(Flatworm
marine)
-
3. Corals700 600 600 - -
4. Earthworms4000 585 21 7 33.33
5. Leeches500 59 10 - -
6. Polychaetes8000 428 186 - -
7. Arachnids120 21 14 - -
8. Gastrotricha 2500 88 32 6 18.75
9. Chinorincha 100 10 4 2 50.00
10. Crustaceans 24375 2970 607 56 9.22
11. Spiders & Scorpions 35810 1352 113 28 45.16
12. Centipede 3000 100 17 - -
13. Millipedes7500 162 5 - -
14. Insects 867391 59353 2274 485 21.5
15. Mollusks
Land 15000 950 110 75 68.18
Freshwater 8765 284 51 12 23.52
Marine 56235 32751 1422 2 0.2
Opisthobranchia 6500 180 180
16. Siphonculates202 38 25 - -
17. Echninoderms6226 765 430 2 0.59
18. Fishes 21723 2546 1484 2 0.14
19. Amphibians550 219 23 3 16.66
20. Reptiles5817 456 104 23 25.55
21. Aves9026 1232 284 105 36.97
22. Mammals4629 390 62 33 55.00
11,04,169 1,06,115 8,425 846
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The main terrestrial mammals are Long-tailed macaque, Wild boar,
Civets, and several species of Bats, Rats and Shrews. From the faunistic
point of view, the most interesting feature is the absence of large
mammals and the presence of a considerable number of endemics
among the inland vertebrates (Ellis et al., 2000).
The Andaman Horseshoe bat Rhinolophus cognatus and Car Nicobar
flying fox Pteropus faunulus, Rats such as Rattus burrulus, Rattus
palmarum, and Rattus pulliventer and shrews such as the Andaman
Spiny Shrew Crocidura hispida and Nicobar Tree Shrew Tupaia
nicobarica are among the endemic mammalian species. Endemic
subspecies include two subspecies of the wild boar: the Andaman
Wild Pig Sus scrofa andamanensis and the Nicobar Wild Pig Sus scrofa
nicobarensis. The only other species of large land mammals, Spotted
Deer Axis axis and a population of Elephants Elephas maximus, were
introduced into the region. The spotted deer have proliferated and
are now widespread. The elephants, abandoned after the
discontinuation of logging operations, have now become feral.
The reptiles include a number of species of snakes. Geckos and
lizards are also found along with several threatened species like the
Andaman water monitor Varanus salvator andamanensis, the
Saltwater crocodile Crocodylus porosus and four species of marine
turtles, viz. the endangered Olive ridley Lepidochelys olivacea and
green turtle Chelonia mydas, and the critically endangered Hawksbill
Eretmochelys imbricata and Leatherback Dermochelys coriacea
(Bhaskar 1993, Andrews 2000 and 2001, Andrews et al., 2001). All of
these species breed in the islands. One of the most data deficient
groups on the islands are the Amphibians, though some work on
them has been done in the Andamans and on Great Nicobar Island
(Daniels 1997; Das 1994, 1997 and 1999).
Over 1400 species of fish have been identified on the Islands. Of
these, the deep-sea fish are a commercially valuable resource for
the fishery industry. A special mention must be made of the vast
13

diversity of reef fish. These brightly coloured species are in great
demand for live export as ornamental fish. Other reef-associated
fish, such as the clupids and apogonids, are important as live bait
for the tuna industry.
The bird diversity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is remarkable
with a total of 284 bird species and subspecies. Of these, 126 are
exclusive to the Andamans and 56 to the Nicobars. BirdLife
International (Stattersfield et al., 1998) has separately designated
the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands as two of the 221
major 'Endemic Bird Areas' of the world. Among the well-known
flagship species are the Nicobar Megapode, the Narcondam Hornbill
and the Nicobar Serpent-eagle. The Andaman Serpent-eagle,
Andaman Crow-pheasant, and the Andaman Tree-pie are some of
the other endemic species in the Andaman group. The Nicobar
Sparrowhawk, Nicobar Parakeet and Nicobar Bulbul are among the
endemics in the Nicobar group. The endemic subspecies include
the Andaman Flowerpecker Dicaeum concolor virescens, Large
Andaman Parakeet Psittacula eupatria magnirostris, Andaman Glossy
Starling Aplonis panayensis tytleri, Nicobar Ground Thrush Zoothera
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citrina albogularis, Andaman Teal Anas gibberifrons albogularis. The
other important species, are Nicobar Pigeon, Andaman Koel, Redbreasted
Parakeet, Andaman Hill Myna, Andaman Wood-Pigeon,
Andaman Green Imperial Pigeon, Andaman Cuckoo Dove, Pied
Imperial Pigeon, Andaman Black Wood-pecker etc.
There is also an extraordinary diversity of corals and reef-associated
invertebrates. The genera like Acropora, Procillopora, Seriatopora,
Stylophora, etc. are abundant. The reefs harbour a rich diversity of
sponges, coelenterates, worms, molluscs, echinoderms. Some are
known to possess antibiotic, anti-coagulant and anti-leukaemic
properties and they have an enormous potential value in the
pharmaceutical industry. Important molluscs include the 'top' and
'turbo' shells, five species of pearl oysters, giant clam Tridacna sp.,
the beautiful pearly nautilus Nautilus sp. etc., which are used to
make ornaments. Sea cucumbers such as Holothuria spp., Stichopus
spp., Actinopyga spp. and Synapta spp. are found in the shallow
lagoons and have become extremely rare.
15

Some important animals in the protected areas
Giant coconut crab Birgus latro
This large sized crab grows up to 30 cm long and 22 cm wide. Its
body is covered with hard plates. The crab is well adapted for an
aerial mode of existence by keeping its body parts. It is diurnal and
nocturnal in habits. The animal feeds on smaller worms, crustaceans
and mollusks. It also climbs coconut trees and feeds on their nuts
by tearing the fibrous cover and breaking the shell open. The giant
robber crab Birgus latro occurs only in the Southern Nicobar Group,
south-western part of Little Andaman, and South Sentinel Islands,
is a flagship species of the inland invertebrates.
Andaman Green Lizard Phelsuma andamanense: This species is
endemict to Andaman group of
Islands. It is green in colour with
orange spots all around. The animal
is sluggish in habits and feeds mostly
on insects. It is a common inhabitant
of vegetation and sometimes even
enters the human settlements.
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Water Monitor Varanus salvator: This is one of the largest monitor
lizard known reaching a length of 2.5 m and is common inhabitant
of forest areas in these islands. It climbs trees with great ease and
also a good swimmer. This lizard is carnivorous and feeds fish, eggs
of turtles, crocodiles and birds. It is widely distributed in Andaman
and Nicobar islands.
Reticulated python Python reticulatus: This species found in
Southeast Asia and adults grow to a maximum of over 8.7 m in
length and are the world's longest
snakes (Murphy and Henderson,
1997) and distributed over southeast
Asia from the Nicobar Islands,
Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand,
Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia
and Singapore, east through the
Indo-Australian Archipelago and the Philippines (McDiarmid et al.,
1999), in evergreen forests and is semi-aquatic in habits. It largely
feeds on small mammals, birds and reptiles. It occasionally feeds on
medium-sized mammals like wild pig, monkey, deer (Shine et al.,
1999). It lays eggs in a large clutch between 15 and 80 eggs per
clutchup (Christopher, 1999). This species was reported all over the
Great Nicobar Island and young ones were commonly seen in the
lowland forests.
Green sea turtle Chelonia mydas: This is the largest of hard shelled
turtles, reaching a length of 1 m and weighing up to 110-190 kg.
It is encountered in the inshore waters in these islands. The turtles
feed mainly on marine algae and weeds, but rarely on crustaceans
and mollusks. The turtles and their eggs were collected by tribals
and settlers for feed. Due to their over exploitation, the turtle
population in the islands has been alarmingly depleted in recent
years.
Olive ridley turtle Lepidochelys
olivacea: This is a small marine turtle
measuring less than 1.0 m in length
and weighing up to 60 kg. The head
is large and triangular. Carapace is
olive grey in colour. The turtle occurs
in coastal waters as well as in open seas. Its food consists of crabs,
prawns, mollusks, fishes, and marine algae.
17

Dugong Dugong dugon: The Dugong dugon (Muller) or sea cow is
the only existing species in the family Dugongidae under the Order
Sirenia and the only herbivorous
mammal in the marine ecosystem.
Dugongs Dugong dugon, which are
listed as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red
List of Threatened Species (IUCN
2000), occur in limited and scattered
small populations in areas where
there are good seagrass beds.
Long-tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis umbrosa: It inhabits Great
Nicobar island, Katchal island and Little Nicobar Island in Southern
groups of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Their preferred habitats
are mangroves, coastal forests and riverine, they are also found in
inland forest at altitude of up to 600 m above sea level. The Longtailed
Macaque is an endangered primate in India and it has been
listed in Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. It occurs only
in the Nicobar Islands of India.Their conservation status as
documented by the IUCN Red List is listed as Near Threatened,
having been amended in 2004 from the taxon's previous status as
Data Deficient following some basic surveys.
18

Globally Threatened and Restricted Range birds in the
Islands
Andaman Serpent-Eagle Spilornis elgini: The Serpent eagle is one
of the 52 Near Threatened species in India. It is endemic to South
Andaman islands where it is common and can be seen easily in
inland forest clearings, near hills (BirdLife International 2001).
Nicobar Scrubfowl (Megapode) Megapodius nicobariensis: The
Megapode is one of the three bird species entirely restricted and
endemic to the Nicobar islands (Stattersfield et al., 1998). It comes
under the Vulnerable category of IUCN and has a declining
population as a result of the destruction of coastal forests (BirdLife
International 2001). The population of this bird is estimated to be
about 625-1,090 breeding pairs (BirdLife International, 2001).
Andaman Crake Rallina canningi : This crake is a rarely encountered
endemic of the Andaman islands which is absent from the Nicobars
(Ali and Ripley, 1987) and is one of the globally threatened species
(BirdLife International, 2001). It is found from South to North
Andamans, including several outlying islands right up to Landfall
Island, the northernmost island in the Andamans. Its status needs
reassessment.
19

Andaman Wood Pigeon Columba palumboides: This is one of the
Near Threatened species, endemic
to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
(BirdLife International, 2001,
Stattersfield et al., 1998). It is an
uncommon bird in the Andamans,
but small parties wander from one
island to another. It has been
reported from Mount Diavalo/Cuthbert Bay, Mahatma Gandhi Marine
National Park, Interview Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Car Nicobar,
Chainpur and Hanspuri, Great Nicobar, Little Nicobar, Little Andaman,
and other IBA sites (Islam and Rahmani, 2009).
Andaman Cuckoo Dove Macropygia rufipennis : The Andaman
Cuckoo Dove is found in dense, broadleaf, primary and secondary
evergreen forest. It is reported from Mount Diavalo/Cuthbert Bay,
Mahatma Gandhi Marine NP (Wandoor NP), Interview Island WLS,
Car Nicobar, Chainpur and Hanspuri, Great Nicobar, Little Nicobar,
Little Andaman, and other IBA sites.
Andaman Coucal Centropus andamanensis : The Andaman Coucal
or Brown Coucal is Near Threatened and endemic to these islands
and is found in forest-edge gardens, cultivation and mangrove areas.
It is mainly reported from the Table and Coco islands, Middle
Andaman, South Andaman, and Little Andaman (Stattersfield et al.
1998).
Andaman Scops Owl Otus balli: It is a Near Threatened species,
endemic to the Andaman Islands, where it is common and can be
seen in trees in semi-open or cultivated areas and around human
settlements (del Hoyo et al., 1999). This Owl has been reported
mainly from Narcondam, South Andamans, Middle Andamans, North
Andamans, Baratang Island and from several outlying islands (Islam
and Rahmani, 2009).
20

Andaman Hawk Owl Ninox affinis : It is a Near Threatened species
and endemic to the Andaman and Nicobar archipelagos, where it
occurs in the mangrove forest, lightly wooded areas and forest
clearings, and is commonly seen hawking insects at dusk (BirdLife
International, 2001). It is found in North, Middle and South Andaman
Islands and is reported from some of the IBAs such as Rani Jhansi
Marine NP, Tillanchong, Camorta, Katchal, Nancowry, Trinkat, Saddle
Peak NP, Jarawa Reserve, Kadakachang, Austin Strait, Mount
Diavalo/Cuthbert Bay, Mahatma Gandhi Marine NP, and other IBA
sites (Islam and Rahmani, 2009)..
Narcondam Hornbill Aceros narcondami
: This endemic and vulnerable hornbill has
a very small population on a tiny, island less
than seven sq. km in area known as
Narcondam Island. Its population is stable
since feral goats were culled by the armed
forces. It is roughly estimated that about 68-
85 breeding pairs are present on the island
(BirdLife International, 2001), with a
population of about 400 hornbills (Yahya
and Zarri, 2002).
Nicobar Bulbul Hypsipetes nicobariensis: This bulbul is one of
the 78 globally vulnerable species with a small, declining population
as a result of the clearance and degradation of forests for plantation,
agriculture and infrastructure projects (BirdLife International, 2001).
This bird is endemic to the Nancowry group of Islands in the Nicobar
islands (Abdulali, 1965).
South Nicobar Serpent-Eagle Spilornis klossi: This Eagle which is
treated as separate from "Nicobar [or Small] Serpent-eagle S.
minimus", which is instead provisionally placed with S. cheela) is
endemic to the islands of Great Nicobar (including Pulo Kunji), Little
Nicobar and Menchal in the South Nicobar island group, Nicobar
islands (Richmond 1902, Abdulali 1967, 1978, Sankaran 1998).
Nicobar Parakeet Psittacula caniceps: This Parakeet Near Threatned
and endemic to the Nicobar archipelago, where it inhabits tall forest
on Great Nicobar, Little Nicobar, Menchal and Kondul islands, feeding
in small groups in the canopy on the fruit of Pandanus palms
(Grimmett et al., 1998). It is apparently common, but fairly large
numbers are trapped for the cagebird trade (del Hoyo et al., 1997).
21

Nicobar Scops-Owl Otus alius: The Nicobar Scops-owl is known
only from a single locality on Campbell Bay (Rasmussen 1998). The
species may occur on other islands in the group, but equally it may
be endemic to Great Nicobar, and indeed restricted in range on that
island. The most likely other island where it may be found is Little
Nicobar which, like Great Nicobar, is relatively poorly explored
(Rasmussen 1998).
Andaman Black Woodpecker Dryocopus hodgei:This Woodpecker
is Near Threatened species and endemic to the Andaman islands,
where it is a common resident in large trees of evergreen forest
(Davidar et al., 1996; Grimmett et al., 1998). Although forest remains
fairly extensive on the Andamans, the human population on larger
islands is rising rapidly and habitat is consequently under severe
pressure from agriculture, grazing and logging (Pande et al., 1991;
Stattersfield et al., 1998).
Andaman Drongo Dicrurus andamanensis: This Drongo is endemic
to the Andaman archipelago also recorded from Coco Island in
Myanmar, where it is a common resident of forests (Davidar et al.,
1996; Grimmett et al., 1998). Although its range is very small, forested
habitat is relatively intact on the Andamans and insufficiently
disturbed or fragmented to be of immediate concern.
Andaman Treepie Dendrocitta bayleyi: This Treepie is Near
Threatened and endemic to the Andaman archipelago, where it is
usually found in pairs or parties of up to 20 birds, or in mixed flocks
in tall trees in dense broadleaved evergreen forest (Grimmett et al.,
1998).
Importance of Protected areas
The protected areas are regarded as cornerstones of biodiversity
conservation. Creation of a sound network of PAs is regarded as the
best and only practical way for in situ conservation of biodiversity
in species rich countries (Glowka et al., 1994). The Andaman and
22

Nicobar Islands represent a unique distribution of biodiversity in a
contrasting interface of terrestrial and marine habitats. 19.65 per
cent area of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is under protected areas
comprising 9 National Parks and 96 Wildlife Sanctuaries. Protected
areas are critical for the conservation of residual tropical forest
biodiversity. These protected areas are considered to have some of
the highest wildlife values in the Andaman and Nicobar islands.
They also protect some of the most spectacular scenery in these
islands. The protected areas contributes to the protection of
biodiversity in this region and is integral to the conservation of
wildlife populations, plant communities and biodiversity. They offer
a wide range of top caliber wilderness recreation opportunities and
outstanding features such as the highest peaks of the Saddle Peak
and Mount Thullier.
Important Bird Area (IBA)
The following 19 sites have been identified as Important Birds Areas
in Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Table 5).
Table 5. List of IBA sites and site codes
IBA CodesIBA site name IBA criteria
IN-AN-01 Austin Strait A1, A2
IN-AN-02 Barangtang-Rafters Creek A1, A2
IN-AN-03 Car Nicobar A1, A2
IN-AN-04 Chainpur and Hanspuri A1, A2
IN-AN-05 Great Nicobar, Little Nicobar A1, A2
IN-AN-06 Interview Island WLS A1, A2
IN-AN-07 Jarawa Reserve (Middle Andaman A1, A2
and South Andaman)
IN-AN-08 Kadakachang A1, A2
IN-AN-09 Landfall Island WLS A1, A2
IN-AN-10 Little Andaman A1, A2
IN-AN-11 Mahatma Gandhi Marine NP A1, A2
IN-AN-12 Mount Diavalo/Cuthbert Bay A1, A2
IN-AN-13 Mount Harriett NP A1, A2
IN-AN-14 Narcondam Island WLS A1, A2
IN-AN-15 North And South Sentinel A1, A2
IN-AN-16 North Reef Island WLS A1, A2
IN-AN-17 Rani Jhansi Marine NP A1, A2
IN-AN-18 Saddle Peak NP A1, A2
IN-AN-19 Tilangchong, Camorta, Katchal, A1, A2
Nancowry, Trinkat
23

Studies conducted by Zoological Survey of India
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Andaman and Nicobar Regional
Centre established in Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the month
of April 1977 with the jurisdiction covering Andaman and Nicobar
Islands and its territorial waters. The objectives of ZSI are exploration,
survey, inventory and monitoring of fauna of this Island ecosystem,
taxonomic studies on marine and terrestrial fauna, status survey of
threatened and endemic fauna, preparation of data base, providing
information for updating the Red Data Book, maintenance and
development of National Zoological Collection and publication of
research work as fauna volume, state fauna series, records of
Zoological Survey of India and also in the reputed national and
internal journals. Since, April 1977 to till date, total of 673 major
surveys have been conducted in various islands viz. South Andaman
(Rutland Island, Chidiyatapu, Mount Harriet National Park, Mahatma
Gandhi Marine National Park), Little Andaman, Middle Andaman
(Aves, Sound, Kurlo Islands, Long Island, Interview Island and
Mayabunder), Ritchie's Archipelago (Henry Lawrence, John Lawrence,
Outram, Wilson, Inglis, Havelock, Inglis, South Button, North Button,
Nicolson, Neil Islands), North Andaman (Arial Bay, Ross Island, Smith
Island and Lamia Bay, North Reef, Saddle Peak National Park), Nicobar
Islands (Car Nicobar Island, Great Nicobar Island, Kundol Island,
Katchal Island and Teresa Island, Nancowry Island) to explore the
fauna of this island ecosystem.
24

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